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Kenmore Cinema: Public Consultation Opened For Development on Brookfield Road

An existing development application for a new Kenmore cinema, the first commercial development in this western suburb in over 50 years, has been revived and is now open for public consultation. Just like when it was first proposed in 2019, however, reactions from the local community are conflicting and mixed.

Public feedback for DA A005160079 was opened in mid-February 2021, which cites plans to develop a residential block on Brookfield Road and Princeton Street into a retail and office space with a cinema, heaps of food outlets and 34 apartments.

Some submissions from the residents, so far, support the development but there have also been concerns raised, especially over the traffic at the Kenmore roundabout.

“This proposal will be great for the local businesses. Kenmore is dead in the evenings…there is little nightlife and restaurants really only do take away orders,” one local said. “Having a cinema will totally enliven the whole community. It will also offer jobs to school leavers close to their homes; make it safer for teenagers to go to the movies together; and enliven the whole community.

“Why should Indooroopilly have the monopoly on ‘Nights Out’ for people from Kenmore, Brookfield, Pullenvale and Moggill? This will be excellent for the Kenmore restaurants who normally struggle to keep afloat. Let’s look after our local businesses by adding this extra missing element!”

Photo Credit: PD Online/Brisbane City Council

“Already too many buildings in this area. We do not need more cafes, community halls, offices, etc. The congestion, which will be the result of such a development, will be awful. This part of Brookfield Road is very, very busy in the mornings and afternoons with general rush hour traffic as well as school traffic,” another local opposed.

“Why don’t we have some more green space? there are no plans or play areas for children in this part of Kenmore. With development, it means trees will be cut down. There will be noise, dirt and vehicle congestion during the building. Enough is enough.”

It comes as the public consultations for the long-awaited development of the Kenmore roundabout, located a kilometre away, has begun as well.

However, the application stated that the centre’s main access road will not be on Brookfield Road and street parking on Princeton Street will be restricted or completely removed while construction is ongoing.

Per the traffic assessment report: “The proposed development is to gain access via two (2) all-movements entry/exit driveways located on Princeton Street and Bingham Street respectively. Vehicle access is to be located on the two (2) lower order street frontages. No vehicle access is proposed to be provided on Brookfield Road, being the higher order road.”

The report also suggested that cars could be reduced once the centre opens. The projection was that fewer people will be making the long drive to Indooroopilly or Jindalee to watch a movie since there’s a cinema in Kenmore.

Submissions to DA A005160079 will remain open until 1 April 2021. You may also file a submission via Development.i and input the DA number.

Public Consultations Begin for the Kenmore Roundabout Upgrades

The upgrades to the Kenmore Roundabout are moving one step closer to construction as public consultations begin for one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in Brisbane.

On Monday, 8 March 2021, an interactive consultation page from the Federal Government will open online for the community to provide their inputs on the improvements needed for the Kenmore Roundabout.

Consequently, the government will hold in-person sessions at these dates and times below for residents and businesses interested in the project to talk with the planning team:

WHEN	WHERE
Saturday 13 March 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.	Kenmore Village shopping centre
Saturday 20 March 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.	Brookfield Market community display
Thursday 25 March 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.	Kenmore Village shopping centre
Tuesday 30 March 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.	Kenmore Village shopping centre

The community may also send emails to metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au or phone 3066 4338 during business hours for their enquiries, ideas and suggestions.

Both Federal and State Governments have committed $12.5 each for the project meant to “improve road traffic flow, the reliability of public transport and bike and pedestrian access, a big win for local commuters right across these transport modes,” according to Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP.

“The Kenmore roundabout is a high-traffic roundabout at key connection point used by western suburb residents heading to Brookfield or out to Pullenvale and beyond,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon Mark Bailey MP said.

“It’s also a key access point to Kenmore Village and the local retail precinct in that area, as well as Kenmore State School nearby. Installing traffic lights will better control traffic flow through the intersection, and we’re also providing new on-road bike lanes and dedicated pedestrian crossing facilities,” he added.

Kenmore Roundabout Key features

Upgrading the roundabout by signalising the intersection.
New on-road cycle lanes
Installing safer facilities for people walking and riding with shared pathways and signalised crossings

The consultations will run until 6 April 2021.

Meeting Called in Brookfield as 24 Suburbs Outraged Over New Runway

24 different suburbs have reported incredible levels of noise caused by aircraft following the opening of Brisbane Airport’s second runway in July, 2020. In Brookfield, a community meeting has been called to discuss the issue.

Over the past several weeks beginning in late 2020, the Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance (BFPCA), a group that brings communities negatively affected by Brisbane Airport’s flight paths, collected a total of 2000 responses from the Brisbane public over Christmas complaining about the noise, which exceeded the number of responses about environmental concerns brought about by the runway.

With the runway built over residential areas, it was only natural for thousands of angry locals to complain. The new runway has led to an uneven distribution of flight paths, with 75% of night operations taking place over the bay, much to the chagrin of suburbs in Southeast Brisbane.

Summer flight paths of the new runway of Brisbane. Left depicts morning flight paths in northerly winds. Right depicts overnight flight paths in calm weather. The marker represents Brookfield.
Photo credit: BNF Flight Path Tool

According to the BFPCA, the population density of the 24 suburbs affected have increased by 40% in the past 15 years. Thousands of families are having difficulty sleeping, concentrating or relaxing, and with new flight patterns brought about by the second runway, property values are decreasing due to the noise.

An investigation staged by the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman is currently underway, and the BFPCA is set to submit a major report as part of the investigation in the next few weeks to help put an end to noise pollution brought about by aircraft. To address these issues, the BFPCA has organised numerous public meetings, with one scheduled for Brookfield on the 11th of March, 2021.

The March 11 community meeting hosted by the BFPCA will be held at the Upper Brookfield Community Hall at 6:30PM. Additional details can be found on their Facebook event page.

New Brookfield Service Station Endangers Local Platypus Population

The proposed creation of a Wessel Petroleum service station in Brookfield could have potentially disastrous consequences for the platypus population in Moggill Creek.

Despite the concerns raised by locals, Wessel Petroleum explained that the service station in the works will actually be beneficial for the site as it plans to raise the ecological value of the surrounding areas, revegetating the nearby creeks. People did not respond well.

Many locals objected to the plan, believing that run-off chemicals produced by the station would flow into the creek and cause harm to the platypuses that call it home. In order to prevent that, Storm Water Consulting (SWC) issued a report that suggests the damage could be mitigated with on-site wastewater treatment, sediment fences, and chemicals could be guided to small holding ponds to avoid disturbing the wildlife in Moggill Creek.

The reception of Wessel Petroleum’s station-to-be has not been positive, with many residents doubting the ecological measures proposed by SWC. The presence of other petroleum stations within the surrounding area, such as the ones in Kenmore, Bellbowie, Karana Downs, and many other suburbs also dissuaded locals as there was no need for more stations — especially not one that could bring harm to the neighbouring platypuses.

Platypus numbers have already been dwindled in recent years as uninhabitable waterways have forced them to disperse, and travelling on land is when they are at their most vulnerable to predators.

Fig Tree Pocket State School Prepares To Celebrate New Milestone: 150 Years

Generations of Fig Tree Pocket State School (FTPSS) alumni will come together to celebrate a major milestone in September 2021, the school’s 150th founding anniversary, and preparations have started for this special event.

On Facebook, parents of the current students have set up the group Fig Tree Pocket State School 150 Birthday Celebrations in anticipation of this momentous occasion whilst they mobilize online efforts in planning activities and disseminating updates for students old and new, parents, educators and the wider community.

The group is also collecting photos, videos, stories and anecdotes of their best memories at the FTPSS for a special 150th Birthday Book.

*Photo Credit: Sonya Mizzi for the Fig Tree Pocket State School 150th Birthday Celebrations Group Page / Facebook*

“My earliest memory at FTP was from Year 1,” Vanessa Rualini shared to the group, who said she’s still best friends with her school mate, Sonja Gustafson.

“I had a baby brother who I desperately wanted to come to our classroom so he could see our pet mice. As he wasn’t allowed to, one afternoon I carefully put one of the mice into my lunchbox (with some grass) and took it home. You can imagine the strife I got into. The poor mouse survived thank god.

“I was lucky enough to have three years with Mrs Cox. I loved our walks to see the Tawny Frogmouth Owls. I loved our story writing lessons, and even won some awards under Mrs Cox’s guidance. She was amazing, my favourite teacher.

And I loved the swamp. I loved making pathways through the middle with planks of wood as mentioned by Tara Sanderson.”

A commemorative T-shirt design was already announced after student Tiah won the design contest, giving the best interpretation of the school’s motto, “Learning for a better world.” Tiah’s design had the school colors blue and white and the symbolic emblem of the Fig Tree.

Photo Credit: Julie Jelley for the Fig Tree Pocket State School 150th Birthday Celebrations Group Page / Facebook

Where is Fig Tree Pocket State School?

Nestled on five hectares of this lush expanse in the western suburbs of Brisbane, this institution has come a long way since September 1871 when it was established as a government primary school that provides quality education to children from Prep to Year 6 in Fig Tree Pocket, in the Queensland, Brisbane City Central & Northern Suburbs region.

From the colonial curriculum of teaching basic reading, writing, and arithmetic until 1905 when major changes were made to the syllabus — the focus shifted to the child (rather than the teacher) as the centre of the learning process.

To date, Fig Tree Pocket State School is a very highly rated primary school that has a minimum capacity of 500 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 1 to 13.

Meanwhile, due to the impact of the coronavirus crisis, details to the event are yet to be finalised as activities will be made in compliance with the necessary health protocols.

The alumni and those who served in FTPSS can send in their stories to the school’s email ftpsspandc@gmail.com or connect through the Facebook group.

Jackpot! Kenmore Resident Reaps $100-K Instant Scratch-Its Reward

The 11th of February 2021, mere days before the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day, has proven auspicious to one lucky winner, who managed to walk away with $100,000 after purchasing a $5 Instant Scratch-Its ticket from the local newsXpress in Kenmore Plaza.

Though the winner has chosen to remain anonymous, their good fortune goes to show that just about anyone can make it big and walk home with a heftier wallet. How the recipient intends to celebrate their newfound fortune remains a mystery, though it isn’t difficult to imagine the look on their face after learning about their win.

Instant Scratch-Its spokesperson Ally Ramsamy chimes in, sharing how previous winners spent their money. “Other winners have told us they use their windfall to upgrade their car, go on a holiday, or shout their family to a great celebratory dinner,” says Ms. Ramsamy.

What are Instant Scratch-Its?

Like most lotteries, Instant Scratch-Its offers players the chance to win a large amount of money after paying a small sum. Rewards vary depending on the cost of the ticket, and in the case of one lucky Kenmore local, a $5 ticket can land you the top prize of $100,000. However, what distinguishes this game from other lotteries lies in its name. Rather than waiting for the lucky draw, players will know if they’ve purchased a winning ticket in an instant after scratching the panels off.

Ticket prices range from $1 to $20, and the different games offered by Instant Scratch-Its vary depending on the scratch card purchased. The instructions on how each game is played can be found at the back of each ticket. Customers can buy tickets at licensed lottery outlets such as newsXpress Kenmore Plaza, Shop 4, 841 Moggill Road, Kenmore.

Booker Place Park Lighting Installation for Dog Off-Leash Area to Commence

For years, dog owners using the off-leash area within Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie have been asking for the installation of additional lights for their beloved pets to play and exercise at night. Council has finally signed off on the project, which was announced at the beginning of 2021.

Once the lights are working, fur parents may enjoy extended hours at Booker Place Park with their dogs without worrying about accessibility and safety. The lights will work to automatically switch off by 9:00 p.m., which is more than enough for the locals since the park’s peak hours for dog activities are usually from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Councillor Greg Aldermann confirmed the lighting project in a Facebook post to inform pet owners of a possible temporary closure of the dog off-leash area (DOLA) to “facilitate the work.”

“Signage will be installed on site to advise of this if the temporary closure is required,” Mr Aldermann said. “Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the local community and Council thanks residents for their patience and understanding while the work is being undertaken.”

Work on the park will take place Monday to Saturday from 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The site has existing light provisions like cables and conduits.

Residents said that the DOLA is not convenient for dog play and exercise after 5:30 p.m. during the winter months of June and July since the days are shorter. The lack of lighting has also raised concerns over owners who have been unable to clean after their pets since they couldn’t see where the dog has defecated.

“I work full time so during the week the only time I can get down there is after dark mostly. Lights would be fantastic for my safety and my dogs,” a resident said.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to Become a Foodie Precinct

Plans are underway to make the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket into more than just an animal park. The popular koala sanctuary will be developed into a culinary hub and dining destination as well.

Yianni Passaris, who owns Ping Pong restaurant in Newstead and the Morning After cafe in West End, has been tapped as the food and beverage advisor. Mr Passaris will work with the sanctuary management in developing the park as a foodie precinct.

The initial plan is to transform the front cafe near the park entrance to make it more accessible to the general public. Diners won’t need to purchase a ticket to the sanctuary for this main eatery.

Lone Pine Sanctuary cafe’s menu will also undergo a revamp, foregoing the frozen lasagnas and quiches selections in favor of tastier but affordable gourmet options.

The next plan is to build a restaurant and another cafe inside the park. Passaris said that since Fig Tree Pocket hardly has good cafes, so locals would likely be encouraged to visit the park to dine and enjoy the surrounding.

Alex Derlot from the Derlot Studio has been drawing up the redesign of the sanctuary and will choose the furnishing and decorations that will be incorporated in the restaurants. Mr Derlot will also create a space for the park’s new gift shop.

Visitors to the park should notice that renovations to the front cafe is currently underway and will be completed by January 2021. It will boast of 120 seats and recycled or sustainable furniture from Mr Derlot’s LesBasic collection.

Young Rising Stars Topbill Southern Cross Soloists Two-Part Concert in Kenmore

Eager for a wonderful night of music? On two Sundays this December, the internationally acclaimed chamber ensemble, Southern Cross Soloists (SXS), will hold a concert series at the Church of Christ on Brookfield Road in Kenmore as top-billed by eight emerging musicians with impressive abilities.

Expect a delightful night listening to classical music as played by the Sunrise String Quartet, clarinetist Dario Scalabrini and flautist Katya Willett.

But joining them are the next generation of solo artists who will present their fresh and energetic interpretations of music from the Baroque period and compositions from J.S. Bach, Mozart and Mendelssohn, as well as some contemporary original Australian works.

They are Helena Wang, Dario Scalabrini, Julia Hill, Rory Smith, Liam Mallinson, Ann Carew, Jemima Drews, Francis Atkins and Katya Willett.

These rising stars are mentored by Southern Cross Soloists flutist Jonathan Henderson, who also heads the SXS Next Gen Artist program.

“The Next Gen Artists is a platform for young emerging musicians, many of whom will go on to establish orchestral, chamber, and soloist careers both in Australia and abroad,” Mr Henderson said.

“This will be one of the first concerts this year for many of them. With performances put on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Next Gen artists are very much looking forward to playing for a live audience.

“Beyond playing high level chamber music, their responsibilities extend to the production side of the series. They are heavily involved and have the opportunity to experience planning these events from both back and front of stage. It’s an enormous learning curve for most and they will come away with real-world skills that will serve their musical careers beyond university life.”

Tickets reservations to this two-part concert are via Event Brite:

DATE and TIME	MUSICIANS	BUY TICKET
Sun., 13 December 2020 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm AEST	Featuring Julia Hill, violin / Liam Mallinson, viola / Jemima Drews, flute / Rory Smith, cello	BUY TICKET
Sun., 20 December 2020 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm AEST	Featuring Katya Willet, flute / Dario Scalabrini, clarinet / The Sunrise Quartet: Helena Wang, violin / Ann Carew, violin / Liam Mallinson, viola / Rory Smith, cello	BUY TICKET

Upswing Seen in Kenmore Bridge Club COVID-Safe Online Games

The pandemic crisis might have kept people indoors but it won’t stop bridge players from organising their socials. Since the restrictions, some 200 members of the Kenmore Bridge Club reshuffled their bridge activities to the online platform, building more challenges and bringing more excitement among the players who have never played online before.

Whether it’s to avoid boredom or to reconnect with friends, enjoying a bridge game online has been a fun learning experience. Kenmore Bridge Club members in their 80s or 90s patiently learned and got comfortable using technology like the BridgeBase Online (BBO) platform and Zoom, and the response has been overwhelming.

Tournaments online started to double as the members’ family or friends, some of whom live interstate, also joined the bridge games. Former members, who have stopped playing months before the lockdown due to immobility or sickness, have returned as well.

As of 9 Nov 2020, Kenmore Bridge Club has reopened for in-person gaming amidst strict COVID-19 safety procedures. But the online games are not going away and might likely be adopted as the new normal with two to four tournaments at least five times a week.

For a lot of these members, the weekly bridge games are a much-needed reward, escape, or distraction as they sit and concentrate on their strategy for two hours.

The club is also conducting online bridge lessons with eight 2.5 hours sessions followed by supervised bridge games. Some members also get help for setting up their computers and other gadgets.

For more details about the online bridge games, email anne@russellsynergies.com.au for your inquiries.